Buffalo company acquires V.J. Stanley

Longtime local distributor V.J. Stanley Inc. has been acquired by Stritt & Priebe Inc., a Buffalo-based international provider of industrial pipe, valves and fittings. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to be able to keep V.J. Stanley as a formidable company in the Western and Central New York area,” said Joel Scott, co-owner and co-partner of Stritt & Priebe in a statement released Tuesday. “We were able to retain all the valuable Stanley employees and we have begun hiring additional key people.”

V.J. Stanley has 24 employees in Rochester, Stritt & Priebe said.

“We have hired four more and will be hiring an engineer for value-added services and a few others when we see where they fit,” Scott said. “We don't know yet how many Stritt & Priebe employees will be in Rochester.”

V.J.Stanley has been a manufacturer’s representative and wholesale distributor of hydronic and domestic hot water and steam systems on White Street for more than 60 years.

Stritt & Priebe dates to 1922 when it was founded by John Priebe and Harry Stritt as a pipe, valve and fitting supply house. It remained a family business—sustaining under two generations of Priebe ownership—until 2007 when then owner Edgar Priebe retired. He sold the business to William Victor and Scott.

Sales and territory have more than doubled under their watch.

“Our mission is to form long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships by utilizing our knowledge, unique talents and cooperative attitudes to serve our customers with regard to quality, service and price,” Victor said in a statement. “The addition of V.J. Stanley fits right into that mission, with their values of quality products and services, knowledgeable experts and competitive pricing.”

The duo have committed to adding a 40,000-square-foot facility to house both companies in a Rochester branch. Combining companies helps to create a strong future, officials say.

“I have never seen the likes of the synergy that exists between these two companies,” said John Ruffner, former V.J. Stanley president, in a statement. “The end result is fantastic. It will be great going forward under the new ownership.”